Things To Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you are a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities for you to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks, at many of our Louisiana state parks.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's museums. There are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place.
Find your Louisiana with these events happening around the state this weekend. Check out a full list of this weekend's events and plan your visit today!
Ark-La-Miss Fair
September 27-October 6
West Monroe
Relish classic fall fun at the Ark-La-Miss Fair. Bring the kids for thrilling rides, a barnyard petting zoo and fabulous prizes at carnival games. And don’t forget the live bands, farm-animal exhibitions, displays of masterful arts and craft pieces and all the irresistible treats — like powder-sugar-topped funnel cake and Louisiana étouffée.
Those looking for a peaceful retreat between fair outings will love exploring the local parks. At Cheniere Lake Park, you can adventure through unpaved paths or get out on the water for some kayaking and angling. Forsythe Park has a great network of beginner-intermediate biking paths, while Kiroli Park is known for its scenic trails and playgrounds.
La Fête Des Vieux Temps
October 4
Raceland
Experience authentic Cajun culture at the annual La Fête Des Vieux Temps — the “Festival of Old Times.” Learn to Cajun-two-step to native musical genres like swamp pop and zydeco, sample staples like boudin and po-boys and marvel at performances from local artists.
Make a weekend of the bayou’s beauty. Explore the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve’s Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, where you can learn about the history and culture of Acadian people through films and exhibits.
Experience Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou.
Louisiana Cattle Festival
October 4-6
Abbeville
Just like the cooler weather and brilliant fall foliage, the Louisiana Cattle Festival is a hallmark of October in Louisiana. As you may have guessed, this festival honors the state’s cattle industry with a bevy of bovine-themed activities: Watch the parade with cow-inspired floats, see cattle demonstrations or chow down during a rib-eating competition. Enjoy daily music from performers like Rusty Metoyer and The Zydeco Krush, Spank the Monkey and Grammy-award-winners Chubby Carrier and The Bayou Swamp Band.
Only doing one day at the festival? Take time to investigate other nearby experiences like the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum in downtown Abbeville. Explore the subtropical botanical plants, like magnolias (the state flower), violets, orchids and more at the Rip Van Wrinkle Gardens. Walk beneath cypress dripping with Spanish moss or fish from a wooden pier above the Vermilion River at the Palmetto Island State Park.
Plan your visit to Vermilion Parish.
Bluesberry Fest
October 5
Covington
Rock out to one full day of non-stop art and music at Bluesberry Fest! Explore Covington’s gorgeous Bogue Falaya Wayside Park as you experience incredible live music, local art and delicious coastal Louisiana fare — all of which nod to the blueberry, Covington’s sweet-and-sour cash crop.
Discover even more on the Tammany Trace, which runs through Covington to New Orleans. This rail-to-trail bike path highlights wildlife, historic landmarks, wetlands and 31 gorgeous bridges.
Creole Culture Day
October 5
Grand Coteau
Celebrate the heritage, traditions and culture of Louisiana’s Creole people during Creole Culture Day. We’re talking delicious food truck dishes like savory gumbo, line-dance lessons, craft vendors, Creole-French bingo and live music by Dr. Boogie Live, Zydeco Roux and David Sylvester. Plus, you can experience a traditional boucherie, or hog butchering. Join the fun and let the good times roll — or as we say, laissez les bon temps rouler!
Rest up in nearby Opelousas — a well-connected basecamp for local escapades. Cruise the town’s Main Street — part of its National Historic District — or venture farther out. Head north to Thistlethwaite Wildlife Management Area for birding, hunting and hiking; west to Arnaudville for paddling and refreshing suds at Bayou Teche Brewing; or south for the urban and historical delights of Lafayette.
Plan your visit to St. Landry Parish.
Harvest Days
October 5-6
Baton Rouge
Travel back into 19th-century Louisiana during the annual Harvest Days at the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum. Experience rural harvest time with period demonstrations and activities, like open-hearth cooking, basket weaving and writing with quill and ink. Plus, there’ll be live music, scrumptious festival food and exciting wagon rides.
While you’re on LSU campus, stop by and visit Mike the Tiger — the official mascot of the university’s football team. Savor a modern treat at the LSU Dairy Store, where you can stack a cone with your choice of 16 ice cream flavors, like mint cookies n’ cream, peach and double chocolate.
Italian Film Festival
October 5
Metairie
Join the cinematic fun as we celebrate Italian culture and film at the Italian Film Festival. The day starts with an expo of all things Italian and continues with an Instagram competition and several film showings, including the 2024 movie, “Cabrini.” Get your tickets now to secure the best seats in the house.
When hunger strikes, head to Sandros Trattoria for Tuscan vibes and Italian dishes, like fettuccini alfredo, chicken piccata and tiramisu. You’ll think you’re at a charming villa outside Florence. Afterward, stroll the Lakefront Trail that follows along the banks of Lake Pontchartrain.
Kent Plantation House Fall Herb Day & Yard Sale
October 5
Alexandria
Part gardening-extravaganza and part shopping-spree, the Kent Plantation House Fall Herb Day & Yard Sale is an event you won’t want to miss. See the stunning grounds, browse an amazing selection of herbs and bedding plants along with booths selling garden-related items, local crafts and tasty snacks. There will also be a massive indoor yard sale for those seeking hidden treasures. Later, be sure to take a tour of the former plantation.
After you’ve secured your prizes, wander around Third Street — part of the city’s Cultural Arts District. Check out the incredible artwork at the River Oaks Square Arts Center or visit the former home of African American writer Arnuad “Arna” Wendell Bontemps. Indulge in local flavors with whiskey and daily specials at The Tasting Room of Louisiana or at the retro-diner-style Sentry Drug & Grill.
Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival
October 5
West Monroe
Sound your bagpipes! The Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival features creative costumes, authentic Celtic music and delectable Irish and Scottish treats. Youth can compete in the Highland Games, take Irish-jig lessons or search for a leprechaun’s hidden treasure.
Later, explore Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge and soak up nature from an observation deck before embarking on a cool, fall hike. For a closer look at waterfowl, head to the pier, where you can birdwatch in the bayou.
Que Pasa Fest
October 5-6
Metairie
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the annual Que Pasa Fest! The festival highlights Hispanic culture and traditions in the Greater New Orleans area. Experience a weekend of live music, delectable Hispanic food, folkloric dances, sports, children's activities and more. The festival is free and open to all ages.
After the thrill of the festival, wind down at Grand Isle State Park, a secluded paradise with trails, campsites and peaceful waterfront views.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
